Let’s say it: it’s a miracle that CF Montreal is still in the race for the playoffs. Because his defeat on Saturday evening, a 3-0 defeat in Orlando, only prolonged the torture that is the end of the season.
The Impact has not won since August 26: it is six games in a row without a victory. And for a second consecutive game, Montreal was completely outclassed by a top-of-the-table opponent in the East.
His game lacks inspiration. Of spark. Emergency. Of success. When the defense holds just enough to restart the attack, it dies down in a matter of seconds, a misplaced pass or two later. Then, do it again.
Unlike the CFM, the Orlando Lions look like kings of the jungle these days. They roared three times on Saturday, including two beautiful strikes from Dagur Thórhallsson (50e) and Facundo Torres (54e). The first goal for the locals came from an own goal from Jonathan Sirois in the 19thewhile the ball struck by Facundo Torres in the area bounced off the post, then onto the back of the goalkeeper already on the ground.
The effectiveness of the ramparts has been beneficial this season for Montreal. When the goals did not come, at least the defense was able to limit the opposing chances. But in the last two games, nothing worked, neither forward nor backward.
Samuel Piette sent a concrete message last Saturday after the spanking received in Atlanta (4-1). He had questioned the tactical solutions deployed by his coaches. Hernán Losada responded this week that he actually had to establish “more realistic game plans”, in particular.
It is also good to remember that Losada does not have the same options at hand as the opponents he has faced in recent weeks. It is often said: CF Montreal has the smallest payroll in MLS. Cincinnati, Atlanta and Orlando are among the division’s strengths. Houston and Portland, which come to Montreal on Wednesday and Saturday respectively, are fierce in the West.
But what is most worrying is this drop in performance which comes at the worst time of the season, for a club which was nevertheless on a good footing in the middle of the season. And, above all, the serious lack of solutions offered over the past month.